“Pilgrims of Hope” Gather Again in Faith and Fellowship
June 27–28, 2025
With hearts full of gratitude and joy, nearly 100 pilgrims from across British Columbia and Alberta gathered in Grindrod for the 2nd Annual Eparchial Pilgrimage. This year’s event was united under the Jubilee Year theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
A special focus of this year’s pilgrimage was the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Blessed Martyrs of Pratulin. A spiritual highlight was the presence of first-class relics of the Pratulin Martyrs. Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics, pray a specially prepared Moleben in their honour, and listen to their inspiring story, movingly shared by Fr. Andrzej Wasylinko.
The first day of the pilgrimage was filled with meaningful and engaging activities. Pilgrims were divided into four small discussion groups by language and age, allowing for deeper conversations on the Jubilee Year’s significance and the heroic witness of the Blessed Martyrs who gave their lives for their fidelity to the Catholic Church.
The beautiful evening of prayer, which has begun with the Festal Vespers and Lytia dedicated to Sts. Peter and Paul, concluded by a torch-lit procession to the cemetery for a Panakhyda (memorial service) led by Grindrod Pastor Fr. Andriy Werbowy. This prayerful moment of remembrance and unity deeply touched all who attended. The evening ended with a joyful campfire gathering, complete with singing, storytelling, and spiritual reflections led by Fr. Andriy Chornenkyi and Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk. Children delighted in roasting marshmallows, while youth sang together around the fire, embodying the warmth and fellowship of the community.
The second day began with the Blessing of Water, followed by the Main Pilgrimage Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, who represented Bishop Michael as the main celebrant and homilist. A particularly joyful moment came at the conclusion of the Liturgy, when the community honoured Sr. Angelica Hodowansky on her 90th birthday—a testament to her 73 years of faithful monastic life and prayerful witness.
Pilgrims were once again blessed to venerate the relics of the Blessed Martyrs of Pratulin, and also had the rare opportunity to venerate an Icon of Christ the Pantocrator, blessed by Pope Leo in Rome and brought to Grindrod by Fr. Ozorovych.
Although Bishop Michael could not be physically present due to his participation in the Synod of our Church in Rome, his support and spiritual presence were felt deeply throughout the pilgrimage. He remains one of the strongest advocates for making this annual pilgrimage a lasting tradition in our Eparchy.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the Grindrod parish community (that celebrated their Praznyk last Saturday), whose tireless efforts, joyful hospitality, and deep faith helped make this year’s pilgrimage both spiritually enriching and memorably joyful.
Recent Comments